Redmond’s summer art: (Rock) ‘Chucks in Public Places’

Soon, rock chucks will be all over downtown Redmond, but these will be creatively decorated — and standing still.

The city of Redmond is launching their summer-long rock chuck sculpture installation on Wednesday from 4-6 p.m with an unveiling event at Wild Ride Brewing in downtown Redmond.

Over 20 rock chuck sculptures were painted and decorated by local artists, which will be displayed at participating businesses throughout the community for the summer months. Wednesday’s event is the only time that people will be able to see all 20 rock chucks in one place until the auction on August 19.

The “Chuck’s in Public Places” will feature larger-than-life, three dimensional, rock chuck sculptures – painted, decorated, and embellished by local artists. The “Chucks” will be placed in key Redmond locations for nine weeks for public art exhibit. The City is expecting to place approximately twenty (20) sculptures throughout the community.

The “Chuck” sculptures will connect to Central Oregon’s yellow-bellied marmots while embracing and supporting contemporary local art.

In recent years, several cities across the nation have organized similar successful events using forms that connect to their location. They have all gained enormous popularity with both residents and tourists.

“We hope to further highlight the uniqueness of our community with an accessible art installation,” states Heather Richards, the city’s community Development director. “This traffic building event provides a new platform of support and recognition for local artists and will bring public awareness to our art program.”

“Chucks in Public Places” is four years in the making. Redmond’s Committee for Art in Public Places identified a rock chuck sculpture installation four years ago to celebrate Redmond’s own indigenous yellow-bellied marmot.

However, the costs of pursuing a fiberglass sculpture program like other cities, such as Seattle and Denver proved cost-prohibitive. So, in true Redmond fashion, volunteers stepped up with their own skills and innovations to produce 20 polystyrene sculptures with very little costs.

Betty Jo Simmons, a member of RCAPP and a carousel animal carver, carved a whimsical wooden image of a rock chuck. Anne Graham, a retired engineer and a Redmond city councilor, devised a mold from the carving and hand-produced 20 plastic models for the program.

Local artists then took the rock chuck forms and let their imagination and talents run free, culminating in 20 spectacular interpretations of Central Oregon’s renowned varmint, officials said.

“In the true Redmond way, we have relied on our local talent to produce this extraordinary event,” said RCAPP Chair Linda Gilmore Hill. “Love them or hate them, our ‘Chucks’ should bring a smile to even the most hardened.”

The ‘Chucks in Public Places’ art display will run through August 19. An auction will be held following the art show and proceeds will benefit future programs of RCAPP. The Auction will take place at the Urban on 6th building in downtown Redmond, 432 SW 6th Street, 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

For more details please contact Jackie Abslag at 541-923-7763, or Jaclyn.abslag@ci.redmond.or.us.

The Redmond Committee for Art in Public Places was created on May 23, 2006 by City Ordinance No. 2006-08. Its purpose is to introduce art into select public locations and situations in order to create a unique sense of place and enhance community identity throughout Redmond.